The Illinois Innovation Index Has Launched

Good news – the Illinois Innovation Index was released this week! In my last post, I addressed the process and data challenges around building an Index, which depended on dedicated collaboration between involved partners. We continue to learn as we go, from our early review of and advice from Index “best practices” (like San Diego CONNECT), to more recent internal debates around data presentation.

If you haven’t already, you can sign up to begin receiving monthly Illinois Innovation Index emails that will feature related innovation metrics along with news and statistical insights. (These metrics will eventually be aggregated into a comprehensive Illinois Innovation Index report on a periodic basis). Upcoming topics include:

• Venture capital (out now)
• Illinois Entrepreneurial Survey results
• Employment and output by cluster
• Research and development
• New business starts

About the Illinois Innovation Index

The Illinois Innovation Index is a collaborative initiative of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, the Illinois Science & Technology Coalition, and World Business Chicago, with additional support provided by the Illinois Innovation Council.

The purpose of the Innovation Index is to engage and educate a broad community of businesses, investors, researchers, policymakers, and educators through the analysis, benchmarking, and promotion of innovation and entrepreneurial activity metrics throughout Chicago and Illinois. The Innovation Index is a highly visual tool that will provide immediate perspective on regional economic conditions and an ongoing data archive for public use.

If you'd like to receive monthly Illinois Innovation Index emails please sign up here.